Process Mapping  

Process maps illustrate in detail the activities and interactions of your business processes and provide a valuable instrument to evaluate required and desired improvements.  Every type of organization can benefit from the application of this tool. 

 

The results of process mapping provide a snapshot of the organization's operations and identify overlaps, redundancies and gaps in responsibilities, tasks, communication and implementation of procedures as well as customer interfaces, resource application, overall organizational structure, and measurement opportunities for improvement.

 

This is also an excellent starting point from which to construct your Quality System as it helps simplify documentation preparation and supports the ISO 9001:2000 requirement for employing a process approach and system approach to management.  Process mapping is also mandatory in Process Improvement activities such as Kaizen and Six Sigma.

 

You can choose the level of utilization of your internal personnel for the  project and based on this we will provide a variety of deliverables.

  • System Process Overview Map
  • Detailed Individual "Current State" Process Maps
  • Analysis Report
  • Recommendations for Improvements
  • Recommendations for members of Process Improvement Team
  • Detailed Individual "Future State" Process Maps
  • Project Implementation Plan including Project Timeline

System Process Overview Map

 

An initial overall system process map will be produced reflecting the basic organizational processes. This is used as a guide for planning the level of detailed individual process maps needed.

 

Once the individual process maps have been completed, a more detailed system process map will be constructed showing all current interactions between the major organizational processes, customers, interested shareholders, and suppliers.  Measurement activities conducted to evaluate global goals and objectives will be incorporated.

 

Current State Process Maps

 

When the Overview has been completed, we will then perform a thorough review of your current operations; interviewing all relevant personnel and examining documentation, records, marketing literature and external customer requirements.

 

Each individual process flowchart will include:

  • Process inputs
  • Activities performed within the process 
  • Outputs
  • Customer definition
  • Links to other processes
  • Current measurement and data analysis activities
  • Process owners and responsibilities

For those organizations seeking certification to an ISO Standard such as 9001:2000 or 13485:2003, process mapping can also be combined with Gap Analysis to identify deficiencies in the Quality Management System

 

Download a sample "work-in-progress" Current State Process Map.

 Adobe

 

Future State Process Maps

 

This map represents the achievable. It is the difference between the current state and the ideal state. It incorporates the realities of technical limits, budgets and time. This is where you want the process to be and the actual implementation of this is your end goal.

 

Process maps will be constructed to reflect the desired or optimal process flow, in some cases based on the results of a Gap Analysis or Improvement directive.  These maps include the modifications to existing tasks, customer interfaces, outputs, resource allocations, organizational structure and measurement activities. 

 

Where processes do not exist to meet a specific requirement, these will be developed with consideration to the organization's unique structure, environment, and needs and new process maps will be created.

 

We utilize a variety of workflow shapes and standard flowchart figures to present easily readable process maps.  We often incoporate these maps into procedures and work instructions to form a complete Documentation system. 

 

Each individual process flowchart will include:

  • Process inputs
  • Activities performed within the process 
  • Detailed Outputs
  • Customer definition
  • Links to other processes
  • New or revised measurement and data analysis activities
  • Process owners and responsibilities

 

info@Qualityedgeconsulting.com 

 

Quality Edge Management Consulting

5509 Sefton Avenue

Baltimore, MD   21214

Phone and Fax (410) 426-2269

 

© 2006 Quality Edge Management Consulting